Print data division apparatus and program

ABSTRACT

A print division apparatus of this invention includes a feature detection unit configured to detect a feature of three-dimensional image data based on pixel information included in the three-dimensional image data, a division unit configured to divide the three-dimensional image data into a designated print size in accordance with a boundary of the feature detected based on the feature of the three-dimensional image data, and a creation unit configured to create three-dimensional shape data for the divided three-dimensional image data.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a print data division apparatus fordividing image data into a plurality of data and printing them.

Description of the Related Art

There is known a method of manufacturing a model integrated by shaping aplurality of portions based on three-dimensional shape data and joiningthe plurality of shaped portions. Japanese Patent Application Laid-OpenNo. H11-216273 discloses a method of manufacturing a model integrated bypreparing the head and body of the model by different materials, shapingthe head and body based on three-dimensional shape data, and joining theshaped head and body.

Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-216273 assumesmanufacturing of a model for which a manufacturing size and shape arepredetermined. Therefore, for example, if the model size exceeds themaximum shapeable size of a shaping apparatus, it is necessary to dividethe model into portions each having a size equal to or smaller than themaximum shapeable size, and shape and join them. If a predeterminedshape is divided, it is possible to preset an inconspicuous divisionline. However, if various shapes are divided, it is difficult to presetan inconspicuous division line. Assuming that division is performed bythe shapeable size of the shaping apparatus, for example, if a divisionline is set to equally, linearly divide a shape, a joint after joiningmay be conspicuous.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a print data division apparatus capableof making a joint after joining inconspicuous when creatingthree-dimensional shape data for division printing by dividingthree-dimensional image data into a plurality of data.

According to the present invention, there is provided a print datadivision apparatus comprising, at least one processor or circuitconfigured to perform the operations of the following units, a featuredetection unit configured to detect a feature of three-dimensional imagedata based on pixel information included in the three-dimensional imagedata, a division unit configured to divide the three-dimensional imagedata into a designated print size in accordance with a boundary of thefeature detected based on the feature of the three-dimensional imagedata, and a creation unit configured to create three-dimensional shapedata for the divided three-dimensional image data.

Further features of the present invention will become apparent from thefollowing description of exemplary embodiments with reference to theattached drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a print data division apparatusaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart for explaining region division processingaccording to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C, 3D, 3E, 3F, 3G, 3H, 31 and 3J are views showing anexample of region division based on image features.

FIG. 4 which is comprised of FIGS. 4A and 4B are flowcharts forexplaining region division processing according to the second embodimentof the present invention.

FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C, 5D, 5E and 5F are views showing an example of regiondivision based on distance features and image features.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart for explaining region division processingaccording to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C, 7D and 7E are schematic views showing a case in whichregion division is performed for pixels until a printable size isobtained.

DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

Preferred embodiments of the present invention will now be described indetail in accordance with the accompanying drawings.

[First Embodiment]

The first embodiment of the present invention will be described belowwith reference to the accompanying drawings. FIG. 1 shows an example ofthe arrangement of a print data division apparatus 100 to which eachembodiment of the present invention is applicable. As shown in FIG. 1,the print data division apparatus 100 can be implemented using a generalpersonal computer.

Referring to FIG. 1, the print data division apparatus 100 includes aCPU 101, a hard disk (to be referred to as an HDD hereinafter) 102, amemory 103, a display control unit 104, an operation unit 105, a drivedevice 106, a display 107, an internal bus 108, and a communicationdevice 109.

The CPU (Central Processing Unit) 101 serving as a feature detectionunit, division unit, and creation unit is a controller for controllingthe print data division apparatus 100. The HDD 102 storesthree-dimensional image data, two-dimensional image data,three-dimensional shape data, other data, and various programs to beused by the CPU 101 to operate. The memory 103 is, for example, a RAM,and temporarily stores a program, data, and the like supplied from theHDD 102. The CPU 101 controls the respective units of the print datadivision apparatus 100 using the memory 103 as a work memory inaccordance with, for example, the programs stored in the HDD 102. Notethat the programs to be used by the CPU 101 to operate may be stored inadvance in, for example, a ROM (not shown) instead of the HDD 102.

The display control unit 104 outputs a display signal for displaying animage on the display 107. For example, a display control signalgenerated by the CPU 101 in accordance with the program is transmittedto the display control unit 104. The display control unit 104 generatesa display signal based on the transmitted display control signal, andoutputs the generated display signal to the display 107. For example,the display control unit 104 displays, on the display 107, a GUI screenconstituting a GUI (Graphical User Interface) based on the displaycontrol signal transmitted from the CPU 101.

Upon accepting a user operation, the operation unit 105 generates acontrol signal corresponding to the operation, and transmits thegenerated control signal to the CPU 101. For example, the operation unit105 includes, as input devices for accepting a user operation, acharacter information input device such as a keyboard and a pointingdevice such as a mouse and touch panel. The CPU 101 controls therespective units of the print data division apparatus 100 in accordancewith the programs based on a control signal which is transmitted fromthe operation unit 105 in accordance with a user operation on the inputdevice. This allows the print data division apparatus 100 to perform anoperation corresponding to the user operation.

The touch panel is configured to output, for example, coordinateinformation corresponding to a touched position on the operation unitformed into a plane. If the touch panel is used as the operation unit105, the operation unit 105 and the display 107 can be integrallyformed. For example, the touch panel is formed such that the display onthe display 107 is not impeded by the light transmittance of the touchpanel, and attached to the upper layer of the display surface of thedisplay 107, thereby associating input coordinates on the touch panelwith display coordinates on the display 107. This can form a GUI viawhich the user can directly operate the screen displayed on the display107.

The drive device 106 can be attached with an external storage medium(not shown) such as a CD or DVD, and reads out data from the attachedexternal storage medium and writes data in the external storage mediumunder the control of the CPU 101. Note that the external storage mediumwhich can be attached to the drive device 106 is not limited to the diskrecording medium such as a CD or DVD, and may be, for example, anonvolatile semiconductor memory such as a memory card.

The CPU 101, HDD 102, memory 103, display control unit 104, operationunit 105, drive device 106, and communication device 109 are connectedto the internal bus 108. Each unit connected to the internal bus 108 isconfigured to write and reads out data via the internal bus 108. Thecommunication device 109 communicates with a network (not shown) such asa LAN or the Internet under the control of the CPU 101.

In this embodiment, a method of dividing three-dimensional image dataobtained by adding distance information for each pixel totwo-dimensional image information including a color, luminance, and thelike for each pixel divides the pixels into a plurality of regions basedon the features of the image information. Processing of performingconversion into three-dimensional shape data for division printing basedthe three-dimensional image data corresponding to the pixels dividedinto the plurality of regions will be explained below.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating processing of creating, based on thefeatures of image information, three-dimensional shape data for divisionprinting. FIGS. 3A to 3J are views showing an example in which regiondivision is performed for three-dimensional image data based on thefeatures of the image information. Note that the three-dimensional imagedata used in this embodiment need only include distance information andimage information including color information and luminance informationas pixel information. The three-dimensional image data may bethree-dimensional distance image data acquired using, for example,infrared light or a laser beam, or three-dimensional image data obtainedby acquiring distance information based on a phase difference betweenimages of two-dimensional image data, and adding the distanceinformation to the pixel information of the two-dimensional image data.This is merely an example, and the present invention is not limited tothis as long as it is possible to acquire three-dimensional image data.The distance information represents the distance between an object andan image capturing apparatus which has acquired the image information.

In step S201, the CPU 101 transmits, to the display control unit 104, adisplay control signal for inputting and displaying the maximum printsize in the height, width, and thickness directions of a printingapparatus to be used. The maximum print size indicates that of aprintable height, width and thickness in the printing apparatus. Aninputtable maximum print size depends on the specifications of theprinting apparatus to be used.

In step S202, the CPU 101 determines whether the input of the maximumprint size has been confirmed using the operation unit 105. If it isdetermined that the input has been confirmed (YES in step S202), the CPU101 stores the maximum print size in the memory 103, and advances tostep S203. If it is determined that the input has not been confirmed (NOin step S202), the CPU 101 returns to step S202.

In step S203, the CPU 101 transmits, to the display control unit 104, adisplay control signal for inputting and displaying a desired height andwidth, that is, a desired size in the height and width directions afterjoining. A printed material according to this embodiment has a reliefshape. The desired height and width indicate a size in the height andwidth directions when printed materials are joined into a relief shape.

In step S204, the CPU 101 determines whether the input of the desiredsize in the height and width directions has been confirmed using theoperation unit 105. If it is determined that the input of the desiredsize has been confirmed (YES in step S204), the CPU 101 stores thedesired size in the memory 103, and advances to step S205. If it isdetermined that the input of the desired size has not been confirmed (NOin step S204), the CPU 101 returns to step S204. When the pieces ofimage information of the three-dimensional image data arethree-dimensionally printed, pixel positions indicate informationsimilar to the height and width. Note that when the pieces of distanceinformation of the three-dimensional image data are three-dimensionallyprinted, the relative distance difference between the pieces of distanceinformation, that is, the difference between the maximum and minimumvalues of the pieces of distance information indicates informationsimilar to the thickness.

In step S205, the CPU 101 performs region division processing bydetecting the color information of the three-dimensional image data asimage feature. For example, the CPU 101 sets, as one block, an imagedata region in the three-dimensional image data read out from the HDD102, and determines a hue of the pixel information of each pixel withinthe block. If the hue in the block is not uniform, the block isrepeatedly subdivided. If similar colors having a difference betweenhues in adjacent blocks, that is, a color difference, which is equal toor smaller than a division threshold, are determined, the CPU 101performs division into regions each including similar colors bycombining the adjacent blocks, and stores a division result in thememory 103. Note that the color information is, for example, informationindicating the pixel values of the primary colors (RGB) of each pixel, acolor difference, and the like. The division threshold is a colordifference threshold, and may be preset or obtained by calculation.

FIGS. 3A to 3J are views showing an example of region division based onthe image features of the three-dimensional image data added with thedistance information. FIGS. 3A to 3E show a division process. FIGS. 3Fto 31 show a combining process. FIG. 3J shows a region division result.FIG. 3A shows three-dimensional image data having color features of athree-color system of a right obliquely hatched portion, left obliquelyhatched portion, and white portion. In the three-dimensional image data,it is determined by hue histogram analysis that the color features arenot uniform, and the image data is subdivided. FIG. 3B shows a state inwhich the image data shown in FIG. 3A is divided into six data. Forexample, a block 301 is determined not to have a uniform color featureby hue histogram analysis, and is to be subdivided. Similarly, by huehistogram analysis, blocks other than a block 302 are determined not tohave a uniform color feature, and are to be subdivided.

FIG. 3C is a block diagram showing a state in which each of the blocksthat has been determined not to have a uniform color feature, among thesix blocks shown in FIG. 3B, is further subdivided into four blocks. Forexample, a block 303 is determined not to have a uniform color featureby hue histogram analysis, and is to be subdivided. FIG. 3D shows astate in which each of blocks that has been determined not to have auniform color feature, among the 24 divided blocks shown in FIG. 3C, isfurther subdivided into four blocks. For example, a block 304 isdetermined not to have a uniform color feature by hue histogramanalysis, and is to be subdivided. FIG. 3E shows a state in which eachof blocks that has been determined not to have a uniform color feature,among the 96 divided blocks shown in FIG. 3D, is further subdivided intofour blocks. The minimum size of a block is 1/384. In this way,subdivision of a block that has been determined not to have a uniformcolor feature is repeated.

FIG. 3F is a view showing a state in which, among the 384 blocks shownin FIG. 3E, blocks whose difference in color hue, that is, whosedifference in color feature is equal to or smaller than a threshold arecombined. For example, if a difference in color feature between adjacentblocks 305 and 306 is equal to or smaller than the threshold, theseblocks are combined into a block 307. FIG. 3G is a view showing a statein which, among the blocks shown in FIG. 3F, blocks whose distance incolor feature is equal to or smaller than threshold are combined. Forexample, if a difference in color feature between adjacent blocks 308and 309 is equal to or smaller than the threshold, these blocks arecombined into a block 310. In FIG. 3H, combining is repeated in the samemanner. FIG. 3I is a view showing a state in which combining ends. FIG.3J is a view showing a state in which the three-dimensional image datais divided into three three-dimensional image data as indicated byregions 311, 312, and 313 by division lines determined in the processesup to FIG. 3I. Each of the divided three-dimensional image data can beconverted into three-dimensional shape data.

There have been proposed various techniques of performing regiondivision based on image features. A division technique applicable tothis embodiment is not limited to a specific one. Although the divisionlines are stepwise in FIG. 3J, this is because the blocks are coarse forthe descriptive purpose. It is possible to obtain smooth division linesby further decreasing the sizes of the blocks.

In step S206, the CPU 101 reads out the divided three-dimensional imagedata from the memory 103, and calculates a print size for the region ofeach divided three-dimensional image data. For example, by calculatingthe ratio of the pixels of each divided region to all the pixels, it ispossible to calculate a print size in the height and width directionsfor each divided region when printing is to be executed for the desiredheight and width after joining.

In step S207, the CPU 101 reads out the maximum print size of theprinting apparatus from the memory 103, and determines whether there isa divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size. Ifthere is a divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum printsize (YES in step S207), the CPU 101 determines that the divided regionhas no printable size, and advances to step S208. If there is not adivided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (NO instep S207), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has aprintable size, and advances to step S219.

In step S208, the CPU 101 performs region division by detecting theluminance information as image feature for the divided region of theprint size exceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus,and stores a region division result in the memory 103. For example, theCPU 101 divides the block which has been determined by luminancehistogram analysis or the like not to have uniform luminance, andrepeats division of the block, similarly to region division based on thecolor features shown in FIGS. 3A to 3J. The CPU 101 can calculate theluminance standard deviation of all the pixels in the three-dimensionalimage data, calculate a division threshold based on the luminancestandard deviation, and combine adjacent pixels whose absolute value ofa luminance difference is equal to or smaller than the divisionthreshold, thereby dividing the image data at the boundary betweenregions each including similar luminances. Note that the divisionthreshold is a luminance difference threshold.

In step S209, the CPU 101 reads out the divided regions from the memory103, and calculates a print size for each divided region. In step S210,the CPU 101 determines whether there is a divided region of a print sizeexceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus. If there isa divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (YESin step S210), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has noprintable size, and advances to step S211. If there is not a dividedregion of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (NO in stepS210), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has a printablesize, and advances to step S219.

In step S211, when performing region division using the colorinformation as image feature, the CPU 101 changes the color differencethreshold so as to divide the region into smaller regions, and stores itin the memory 103. In step S212, the CPU 101 reads out the colordifference threshold from the memory 103, performs region division forthe divided region of the print size exceeding the maximum print size ofthe printing apparatus using the color information as image feature, andstores a region division result in the memory 103. Region divisionperformed in step S212 is the same as that performed in step S205.

In step S213, the CPU 101 reads out the divided regions from the memory103, and calculates a print size for each divided region. In step S214,the CPU 101 determines whether there is a divided region of a print sizeexceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus. If there isa divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (YESin step S214), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has noprintable size, and advances to step S215. If there is not a dividedregion of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (NO in stepS214), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has a printablesize, and advances to step S219.

In step S215, when performing region division using the luminanceinformation as image feature, the CPU 101 changes the luminancedifference threshold so as to readily divide the region into smallerregions, and stores it in the memory 103. In step S216, the CPU 101reads out the luminance difference threshold from the memory 103,performs region division for the divided region of the print sizeexceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus using theluminance information as image feature, and stores a region divisionresult in the memory 103. Region division performed in step S216 is thesame as that based on the luminance information in step S208.

In step S217, the CPU 101 calculates a print size for each dividedregion. In step S218, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a dividedregion of a print size exceeding the maximum print size of the printingapparatus. If there is a divided region of a print size exceeding themaximum print size (YES in step S218), the CPU 101 determines that thedivided region has no printable size, and returns to step S211. If thereis not a divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size(NO in step S218), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has aprintable size, and advances to step S219. As described above, regiondivision is performed in descending order of the color difference orluminance difference until there is no divided region of a print sizeexceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus. That is, theregion is divided into regions to fall within the maximum print size bysetting a boundary at a position where the color difference or luminancedifference is equal to or larger than a predetermined difference.

In step S219, the CPU 101 decreases the total division count bycombining adjacent divided regions into one divided region withoutexceeding the maximum print size. This prevents an unnecessary jointfrom occurring due to excessive subdivision of the region.

In step S220, the CPU 101 creates three-dimensional shape data fordivision printing based on the divided three-dimensional image data, andstores them in the HDD 102, thereby terminating the process. Thethree-dimensional shape data is also called three-dimensional printfile, and is a shape data file which is described in, for example, STLformat data or VRML format data, and is usable by a three-dimensionalshaping apparatus, and a conversion destination file format is notlimited. In printing of a three-dimensional relief shape, it is commonpractice to maintain the aspect ratio in the two image directions so asnot to give an unnatural feeling in appearance. However, with respect toa depth, conversion from the distance information into thicknessinformation may be nonlinear like a logarithmic ratio depending on howmuch a stereoscopic effect is enhanced. Even if conversion from thedistance information into thickness information is nonlinear, theboundary such as the color difference or luminance difference betweenthe pieces of image information does not disappear. Therefore, if theboundary overlaps a division line, a joint becomes less conspicuous.This embodiment assumes that processing is performed so that thethickness of a portion in which the relative distance difference islargest, that is, the thickness of a thickest portion is equal to orsmaller than the thickness of the maximum print size. This createsthree-dimensional shape data for division printing for which conversionfrom distance information into thickness information has been performed.

As describe above, in this embodiment, region division is performedusing the luminance information and color information as the features ofthe image information until the height and width become those printablewithin the maximum print size of the printing apparatus by setting aboundary at a position where the luminance difference or colordifference is equal to or larger than a predetermined difference. Withthis processing, a joint obtained by joining after printing overlaps thecontour of an image, and thus becomes less conspicuous. Furthermore,since a joint is determined using the color information, if coloring isperformed, the joint becomes less conspicuous.

[Second Embodiment]

The second embodiment of the present invention is different from thefirst embodiment in that pixels are divided into a plurality of regionspreferentially based on the features of distance information andsupplementarily based on the features of image information inthere-dimensional image data. That is, after the boundaries betweenfeatures are detected using the features of the distance information,the boundaries between the features are detected using the features ofthe image information, thereby dividing the three-dimensional image datain accordance with the detected boundaries between the features. Anexample of performing conversion into three-dimensional shape data fordivision printing based on the three-dimensional image datacorresponding to the pixels divided into the plurality of regions willbe described below.

FIG. 4 is flowcharts illustrating conversion into three-dimensionalshape data for division printing based on the features of the distanceinformation and image information. FIGS. 5A to 5F are views showing anexample in which region division is performed for pixels based on thefeatures of the distance information and image information.

In step S401, a CPU 101 transmits, to a display control unit 104, adisplay control signal for inputting and displaying the maximum printsize in the height, width, and thickness directions of a printingapparatus to be used. In step S402, the CPU 101 determines whether theinput of the maximum print size has been confirmed using an operationunit 105. If it is determined that the input of the maximum print sizehas been confirmed (YES in step S402), the CPU 101 stores the maximumprint size in a memory 103, and advances to step S403. If it isdetermined that the input of the maximum print size has not beenconfirmed (NO in step S402), the CPU 101 returns to step S402.

In step S403, the CPU 101 transmits, to the display control unit 104, adisplay control signal for inputting and displaying a desired size inthe height and width directions after joining. In step S404, the CPU 101determines whether the input of the desired size has been confirmedusing the operation unit 105. If it is determined that the input of thedesired size has been confirmed (YES in step S404), the CPU 101 storesthe desired print size in the memory 103, and advances to step S405. Ifit is determined that the input of the desired size has not beenconfirmed (NO in step S404), the CPU 101 returns to step S404.

In step S405, the CPU 101 performs processing of detecting, as thedistance feature of the distance information added to two-dimensionalimage information for each pixel, a distance feature line serving as abend, and stores the detected distance feature line in the memory 103.The distance feature line is a ridge line, a line representing a stepbased on a distance difference, or the like. As a distance feature linedetection method, for example, there is provided a method of extracting,from the two-dimensional data in which a distance value for each pixelis regarded as the height of a mountain, a ridge line by connectingcells selected by weighing cells within a predetermined region withreference to the maximum distance value in the predetermined region.Alternatively, it is possible to detect a large step by calculating thedifference between the height of a target pixel and that of a pixeladjacent to the target pixel as the first-order derivative, that is, thetilt of a tangent, and detecting the magnitude of the value. It ispossible to detect a ridge line for which the tilt is reversed, bycalculating, as the second-order derivative, that is, the inflection ofthe tangent, the difference between the difference calculated for theheight of the target pixel and the difference between the heights of aplurality of pixels adjacent to the target pixel. There are proposed anumber of ridge line detection techniques and step detection techniques,and a technique of detecting a ridge line or step as a distance featureline for region division applicable to this embodiment is not limited toa specific detection technique.

In step S406, the CPU 101 reads out the distance feature line detectedin step S405 from the memory 103, and determines whether the two ends ofthe distance feature line divide a division target region. If the twoends of the distance feature line do not divide the division targetregion (NO in step S406), the CPU 101 determines that the region cannotbe divided by setting the distance feature line as a boundary, andadvances to step S407. If the two ends of the distance feature linedivide the division target region (YES in step S406), the CPU 101determines that the region is divided by setting the distance featureline as a boundary, and advances to step S413. That is, if the distancefeature line can only be extracted halfway in the region, and is broken,the process advances to step S407.

FIGS. 5A to 5F are views showing an example of region division using thedistance features and image features. FIG. 5A shows an image in which ahuman type object is arranged at a short distance, a train is arrangedat a middle distance, and a mountain, sky, and clouds are arranged at along distance when viewing from an image capturing apparatus. FIG. 5B isa view showing a state in which pixels each having a distance step withrespect to another pixel are detected as a distance feature line fromthe image shown in FIG. 5A, and region division is performed by settingthe distance feature line as a human type object region 502. FIG. 5Bshows a state in which the image shown in FIG. 5A is divided into fourregions of a background region 501, the human type object region 502, anunderarm region 503, and a crotch region 504 by the distance featureline. FIG. 5C is a view showing a state in which region division isperformed into a train region 506 and a mountain region 505 at theboundary between the train and the mountain, at which there is adistance step in the background region 501.

In step S407, the CPU 101 performs region division based on colorinformation as image feature, and stores a region division result in thememory 103. Region division based on the color information is the sameas that in step S205 described in the first embodiment. In step S408,the CPU 101 reads out, from the memory 103, the regions divided based onthe distance feature line and color information, and determines whetherthere is a point at which the distance feature line detected in stepS405 intersects the division line used for division based on the colorinformation in step S407. If the distance feature line and the divisionline do not intersect each other (NO in step S408), the CPU 101determines that no region division can be performed by the distancefeature line and the division line used for division based on the colorinformation, and advances to step S409. If the distance feature line andthe division line intersect each other (YES in step S408), the CPU 101determines that the region can be divided, and advances to step S412.

In step S409, the CPU 101 performs region division based on luminanceinformation as image feature, and stores a region division result in thememory 103. Region division based on the luminance information is thesame as that in step S208 described in the first embodiment. In stepS410, the CPU 101 reads out, from the memory 103, the regions dividedbased on the distance feature line and the luminance information, anddetermines whether there is a point at which the distance feature linedetected in step S405 intersects the division line used for divisionbased on the luminance information. If the distance feature line doesnot intersect the division line (NO in step S410), the CPU 101determines that no region division can be performed by the distancefeature line and the division line used for division based on theluminance information, and advances to step S411. If the distancefeature line intersects the division line (YES in step S410), the CPU101 determines that the region can be divided, and advances to stepS412.

In step S411, the CPU 101 extends the two ends of the distance featureline detected in step S405 in the tangent direction, performs regiondivision using, as a division line, a line obtained by extending thedistance feature line until the region can be divided, and stores aregion division result in the memory 103. That is, if there is nodivision line based on the image features, which intersects the distancefeature line, the distance feature line cannot be changed to thedivision line based on the image features, and thus the region isdivided by the extension of the distance feature line.

In step S412, the CPU 101 determines, as a region division line based onthe distance feature, a line up to an intersection point between thedistance feature line detected in step S405 and the division line usedfor division based on the color information or luminance information atthe two ends of the distance feature line. The CPU 101 performs regiondivision by connecting the lines at the intersection point between thedistance feature line and the division line so as to change from thedistance feature line to the division line based on the image features,and stores a region division result in the memory 103. That is, the CPU101 performs region division along the boundary between colors orluminances in the middle of the distance feature line. In thisembodiment, since the division line used for division based on the imageinformation is conspicuous until it is colored after joining, thedistance features are preferentially used. However, if it is assumedthat the division line is colored, the image features can preferentiallybe used.

In step S413, the CPU 101 reads out the divided regions from the memory103, and calculates a print size for each divided region. In step S414,the CPU 101 determines whether there is a divided region of a print sizeexceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus. If there isa divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (YESin step S414), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has noprintable size, and advances to step S415. If there is not a dividedregion of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (NO in stepS414), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has a printablesize, and advances to step S425.

In step S415, the CPU 101 determines whether the distance feature lineis undetectable in step S405. If the distance feature line isundetectable (YES in step S415), the CPU 101 determines that no distancefeature line can be detected, and advances to step S416. If the distancefeature line is detectable (NO in step S415), the CPU 101 returns tostep S405 to detect the next distance feature line. The mountain region505 shown in FIG. 5C includes the mountain, sky, and clouds. Since,however, the mountain region 505 is at a long distance, the resolutionis coarse as distance information, and no distance feature line can bedetected. As for such image, the process transits to step S416.

In step S416, the CPU 101 sets initial values of a color distancethreshold and luminance difference threshold, and stores them in thememory 103. In step S417, the CPU 101 reads out the color differencethreshold from the memory 103, performs region division using the colorinformation as image feature, and stores a region division result in thememory 103. Region division based on the color information is the sameas that in step S407. In step S418, the CPU 101 calculates a print sizefor each divided region. In step S419, the CPU 101 reads out the maximumprint size of the printing apparatus from the memory 103, and determineswhether there is a divided region of a print size exceeding the maximumprint size designated in step S402. If there is a divided region of aprint size exceeding the maximum print size (YES in step S419), the CPU101 determines that the divided region has no printable size, andadvances to step S420. If there is not a divided region of a print sizeexceeding the maximum print size (NO in step S419), the CPU 101determines that the divided region has a printable size, and advances tostep S425.

In step S420, the CPU 101 reads out the luminance difference thresholdfrom the memory 103, performs region division for the divided region ofthe print size exceeding the maximum print size of the printingapparatus using the luminance information as image feature, and stores aregion division result in the memory 103. Region division based on theluminance information is the same as that in step S409. In step S421,the CPU 101 calculates a print size for each divided region. In stepS422, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a divided region of aprint size exceeding the maximum print size of the printing apparatus.If there is a divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum printsize (YES in step S422), the CPU 101 determines that the divided regionhas no printable size, and advances to step S423. If there is not adivided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size (NO instep S422), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has aprintable size, and advances to step S425.

In step S423, when performing region division using the colorinformation as image features, the CPU 101 changes the color differencethreshold so as to readily divide the region into smaller regions, andstores it in the memory 103. In step S424, when performing regiondivision using the luminance information as image features, the CPU 101changes the luminance difference threshold so as to readily divide theregion into smaller regions, and stores it in the memory 103. Asdescribed above, the region is divided into a plurality of regions basedon the features of the distance information first. After no features ofthe distance information can be found any more, region division isperformed using the luminance information and color information as thefeatures of the image information. FIG. 5D is a view showing a state inwhich region division is performed for the mountain region 505 shown inFIG. 5C based on the features of the color information and luminanceinformation to obtain a sky region 507, a mountain region 508, and a skyregion 509.

In step S425, the CPU 101 combines adjacent divided regions into onedivided region without exceeding the maximum print size, and stores thecombined divided region in the memory 103. This can decrease the totaldivision count, and prevent an unnecessary joint from occurring due toexcessive subdivision.

FIG. 5E is a view showing a state in which the human object region 502,the underarm region 503, and the crotch region 504 are combined into aleft region 510. The five regions 506 to 510 shown in FIG. 5F indicatefinal divided regions. In step S426, the CPU 101 createsthree-dimensional shape data for division printing based on the dividedthree-dimensional image data, and stores the created data in an HDD 102,thereby terminating the process. Even if printed materials printed basedon the divided three-dimensional image data are combined, it isdifficult to generate conspicuous joints since the joints of the dividedregions disappear in the distance steps and color/luminance boundariesof the original stereoscopic image.

In three-dimensional landscape printing, it is common practice tomaintain the aspect ratio of an image in the two directions so as not togive an unnatural feeling in appearance. However, with respect to adepth, conversion from distance information into thickness informationmay be nonlinear like a logarithmic ratio depending on how much astereoscopic effect is enhanced. Even if conversion from distanceinformation into thickness information is nonlinear, a distance featureline such as a ridge, cliff, or valley exists in the distanceinformation. Therefore, if the distance feature line overlaps a divisionline in printing, a joint becomes less conspicuous. This embodimentassumes that processing of creating three-dimensional shape data fordivision printing is performed so that the thickness of a portion inwhich a relative distance difference is largest, that is, the thicknessof the thickest left region 510 shown in FIG. 5E is equal to or smallerthan the thickness of the maximum print size. If the aspect ratio of thetwo-dimensional image is changed, the distance feature line such as aridge, cliff, or valley is also changed at the same time and does notdisappear as long as image information and distance information areassociated with each other. Consequently, if the distance feature lineoverlaps a division line in printing, a joint becomes less conspicuous.

As described above, in this embodiment, the boundaries of thethree-dimensional image data are detected based on the distanceinformation, and then detected based on the luminance information andcolor information as the features of the image information. Regiondivision is performed until the height and width become those printablewithin the maximum print size of the printing apparatus in accordancewith the detected boundaries. With this processing, region division isperformed so that a joint is along the distance feature line such as aridge, cliff, or valley or a portion in which the luminance differenceor color difference is large. Consequently, a joint obtained by joiningafter printing overlaps the three-dimensional structure of astereoscopic image or the contour of an image, and thus becomes lessconspicuous.

[Third Embodiment]

The third embodiment of the present invention is different in thatpixels are divided into a plurality of regions preferentially based onthe features of distance information and supplementarily based on thefeatures of image information in there-dimensional image data obtainedby adding distance information for each pixel to two-dimensional imageinformation including a color and luminance for each pixel. That is,after the boundaries between features are detected using the features ofthe distance information, the boundaries between the features aredetected using the features of the image information, thereby dividingthe three-dimensional image data in accordance with the detectedboundaries between the features. An example of performing conversioninto three-dimensional shape data for division printing by assigningconversion to a longest side in the specifications of a printingapparatus when creating thickness data from a distance based on thethree-dimensional image data corresponding to the pixels divided intothe plurality of regions will be described below.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating conversion into three-dimensionalshape data for division printing based on the features of distanceinformation and image information according to this embodiment. FIGS. 7Ato 7E are views showing an example in which region division is performedfor pixels based on the features of the distance information and imageinformation until an exact size becomes that printable by a printingapparatus.

In step S601, a CPU 101 transmits, to a display control unit 104, adisplay control signal for inputting and displaying the maximum printsize in the height, width, and thickness directions of the printingapparatus to be used. A block 701 shown in FIG. 7A indicates a shapewhen the maximum print size is printed, and the shape has a maximumwidth 701 w, a maximum height 701 h, and a maximum thickness 701 d. Inthis embodiment, the maximum width 701 w is equal to the maximum height701 h, and the maximum thickness 701 d is smaller than the two sides ofthe maximum width 701 w and maximum height 701 h.

In step S602, the CPU 101 determines whether the input of the maximumprint size has been confirmed using an operation unit 105. If it isdetermined that the input has been confirmed (YES in step S602), the CPU101 stores the maximum print size in a memory 103, and advances to stepS603. If it is determined that the input has not been confirmed (NO instep S602), the CPU 101 returns to step S602. In step S603, the CPU 101transmits, to the display control unit 104, a display control signal forinputting and displaying desired height and width after joining, and adesired print thickness.

Stereoscopic images 702 to 707 shown in FIG. 7B are stereoscopic imagesof regions divided by processing (to be described later). The desiredheight and width indicate a total size in the height and widthdirections when the stereoscopic images are converted intothree-dimensional shape data, undergo division printing, and thenjoined. A value input as the desired print thickness is equal to orsmaller than the length of the longest side printable by the printingapparatus, and is, for example, a thickness 706 d of the thickeststereoscopic image 706. A value equal to or smaller than the printablemaximum height 701 h is input as the desired print thickness.

In step S604, the CPU 101 determines whether the input of the desiredheight, width, and thickness has been confirmed using the operation unit105. If it is determined that the input has been confirmed (YES in stepS604), the CPU 101 stores the desired height, width, and thickness inthe memory 103, and advances to step S605. If it is determined that theinput has not been confirmed (NO in step S604), the CPU 101 returns tostep S604. This embodiment shows an example in which joints obtained byjoining in the height and width direction are inconspicuous even whenviewing from the front. Since the regions are not joined in thethickness direction, the maximum thickness of one divided region islimited to a value equal to or smaller than the length of the longestside of the maximum print size in the height, width, and thicknessdirections of the printing apparatus. That is, the maximum thickness ofone divided region is limited to a value equal to or smaller than themaximum height 701 h shown in FIG. 7A. Note that in this embodiment, themaximum height 701 h is preferentially set as a longest side.

In step S605, the CPU 101 performs region division by preferentiallyusing distance features, and supplementarily using image features. Thatis, in step S605, after the boundaries between the distance features aredetected using the distance features, boundaries are detected using theimage features, that is, the features of color information and luminanceinformation are detected, and the region is divided in accordance withthe detected boundaries. Region division performed in step S605 is thesame as that in steps S405 to S412 described in the second embodimentand a description thereof will be omitted. In step S606, the CPU 101calculates a print size for each divided region, and stores them in thememory 103.

In step S607, the CPU 101 determines whether there is a divided regionof a print size exceeding the maximum print size in the height and widthdirections of the printing apparatus. The maximum print size in stepS607 indicates the maximum print size in the height and widthdirections. If there is a divided region of a print size exceeding themaximum print size (YES in step S607), the CPU 101 determines that thedivided region has no printable size, and returns to step S605. If thereis not a divided region of a print size exceeding the maximum print size(NO in step S607), the CPU 101 determines that the divided region has aprintable size, and advances to step S608. The region divisionprocessing repeatedly performed until the size of the divided regionbecomes equal to or smaller than the maximum print size is the same asin the first and second embodiments and a description thereof will beomitted.

As indicated by the stereoscopic image 702 in FIG. 7B, division isperformed until an image width 702 w at the time of division printingbecomes equal to or smaller than the maximum width 701 w and an imageheight 702 h becomes equal to or smaller than the maximum height 701 h.Conversion from the image size into the exact size is the same as in thefirst embodiment and a description thereof will be omitted. The widthand height, at the time of division printing, of each of thestereoscopic images 703 to 707 shown in FIG. 7B are equal to or smallerthan the maximum width 701 w and maximum height 701 h, respectively.

In step S608, the CPU 101 normalizes the maximum difference between thepieces of distance information to the desired print thickness. Thisconverts the maximum distance difference between a long distance and ashort distance into the maximum print thickness at the time of printing.In step S609, the CPU 101 selects one of the divided regions, convertsthe distance difference between the pieces of distance informationwithin the selected divided region into a thickness normalized by themaximum print thickness, and stores the thickness in the memory 103.This performs conversion into a print thickness corresponding to thedistance difference. Since the thickness 706 d of the stereoscopic image706 shown in FIG. 7B is normalized by the thickness confirmed in stepS604, it is possible to convert, for example, a thickness 702 d of thestereoscopic image 702 into a print thickness. Note that the CPU 101selects no already selected divided region.

In step S610, the CPU 101 reads out the maximum print size of theprinting apparatus from the memory 103, and determines whether the printthickness converted in step S609 exceeds the maximum print thicknessdesignated in step S602. If the print thickness exceeds the maximumprint thickness (YES in step S610), the CPU 101 determines that theprint thickness is not a printable one, and advances to step S611. Ifthe print thickness is equal to or smaller than the maximum printthickness (NO in step S610), the CPU 101 determines that the printthickness is a printable one, and advances to step S614. When the printthickness is equal to or smaller than the maximum print thickness, theimage information indicates a size equal to or smaller than theprintable maximum print size in the height and width directions and thedistance information indicates a size equal to or smaller than theprintable maximum print size in the thickness direction. Thus, it ispossible to directly perform conversion into shape data.

The print thickness of each of the stereoscopic images 702 to 705 shownin FIG. 7B is equal to or smaller than the maximum thickness 701 d shownin FIG. 7A, and the process transits to step S614. That is, conversioninto three-dimensional shape data is possible. When the print thicknessexceeds the maximum thickness 701 d, the image cannot be printed in thatdirection, and it is necessary to consider assigning distanceinformation to the longest side in the height or width direction bylaying down the three-dimensional image data by 90°, that is, bychanging the direction. The print thickness of each of the stereoscopicimages 706 and 707 shown in FIG. 7B exceeds the maximum thickness 701 dshown in FIG. 7A, and the process transits to step S611.

In step S611, the CPU 101 determines whether the print height and widthof the region which has been determined in step S610 to have the printthickness exceeding the maximum print thickness exceed the print size oftwo sides other than the longest side among the sides in the height,width, and thickness directions of the printing apparatus to be used. Ifthe print height and width of the image exceed the print size of the twosides (YES in step S611), the CPU 101 advances to step S612. If theprint height and width of the image are equal to or smaller than theprint size of the two sides (NO in step S611), the CPU 101 advances tostep S613.

In step S611, it is determined whether the print size of a width 706 wand a height 706 h of the stereoscopic image 706 shown in FIG. 7Bexceeds the maximum thickness 701 d and the maximum width 701 w otherthan the maximum height 701 h of the longest side shown in FIG. 7A.

When the print height and width of the image are equal to or smallerthan the print size of the two sides other than the longest side, it ispossible to convert the three-dimensional image data into printablethree-dimensional shape data by laying down the three-dimensional imagedata by 90°. That is, it is possible to convert the three-dimensionalimage data into three-dimensional shape data printable by the printingapparatus to be used by laying down the three-dimensional image data by90°, assigning conversion of the distance information to the longestside, for example, the side in the height direction among the sides inthe height, width, and thickness directions, and assigning conversion ofthe image information to the remaining sides in the width and thicknessdirections. The height 706 h and width 706 w as the print size of thestereoscopic image 706 shown in FIG. 7B are equal to or smaller than theprintable maximum width 701 w and maximum thickness 701 d, respectively.That is, the stereoscopic images 706 and 707 shown in FIG. 7B can beprinted by the printing apparatus to be used by laying down the imagedata by 90° and creating three-dimensional shape data, as shown in FIG.7C.

When the print height and width of the image exceed the print size ofthe two sides other than the longest side, even if the three-dimensionalimage data is laid down by 90°, it is impossible to perform conversioninto shape data printable by the printing apparatus to be used. A casein which the maximum specifications of the printing apparatus to be usedare indicated by a block 708 shown in FIG. 7D will be described. Theblock 708 shown in FIG. 7D has a print shape thinner than that of theblock 701 shown in FIG. 7A. In this embodiment, assume that a maximumwidth 708 w is equal to a maximum height 708 h, and a maximum thickness708 d is smaller than the maximum width 708 w and the maximum height 708h. Assume also that the maximum width 708 w and the maximum height 708 hare equal to the maximum width 701 w and the maximum height 701 h of theblock 701, respectively, and the maximum thickness 708 d is thinner thanthe maximum thickness 701 d. In the case of these print specifications,the print height and width, that is, the print size of the width 706 wand height 706 h of the stereoscopic image 706 exceeds the maximumthickness 708 d and the maximum width 708 w other than the maximumheight 708 h of the longest side shown in FIG. 7D. Therefore, it isnecessary to further perform division so as to execute printing by theprinting apparatus complying with the print specifications of the block708 shown in FIG. 7D.

In step S612, the CPU 101 first performs region subdivision processingpreferentially based on the distance features, and then performs regionsubdivision processing supplementarily based on the image features. TheCPU 101 stores the divided three-dimensional data in the memory 103, andreturns to step S611. The processing in step S612 is the same as that instep S605. While the determination criteria in step S607 are the heightand width of the size in the height, width, and thickness directions ofthe printing apparatuses, the determination criterion in step S612 isthe print size of the two sides other than the longest side of the sizein the height, width, and thickness directions.

In step S613, the CPU 101 creates three-dimensional shape data fordivision printing based on the three-dimensional image data obtained bylaying down the divided three-dimensional image data by 90°, and storesthe created data in an HDD 102. The image information is moved by 90°and converted into width and thickness coordinates, and the distanceinformation is moved by 90° and converted into a height coordinate. Asindicated by the stereoscopic images 706 and 707 shown in FIG. 7C,divided regions laid down by 90° are used to form three-dimensionalshape data. If the maximum specifications of the printing apparatus tobe used are indicated by the block 708 shown in FIG. 7D, thestereoscopic image 706 shown in FIG. 7C is further divided intostereoscopic images 709 and 710 shown in FIG. 7E, and used to formthree-dimensional shape data.

In step S614, the CPU 101 creates three-dimensional shape data fordivision printing based on the divided three-dimensional image data, andstores the created data in the HDD 102. The image information isconverted into height and width coordinates, and the distanceinformation is converted into a thickness coordinate. As indicated bythe stereoscopic images 702 to 705 shown in FIG. 7C, the divided regionswhose two image directions face upward are used intact to formthree-dimensional shape data.

In step S615, the CPU 101 determines whether creation ofthree-dimensional shape data of all the regions divided up to step S607has ended. If it is determined that creation of three-dimensional shapedata has ended (YES in step S615), the CPU 101 terminates theprocessing. If it is determined that creation of three-dimensional shapedata has not ended (NO in step S615), the CPU 101 returns to step S609.

As described above, in this embodiment, the longest side among the sidesin the height, width, and thickness directions of the printing apparatusis assigned to the thickness of the divided region, and region divisionis performed using the features of the distance information and imageinformation until the height and width of the divided region becomethose printable by the remaining sides other than the longest side. Evenif some three-dimensional image data are printed in the width direction,region division is performed so that a joint is along a broken line suchas a ridge, cliff, or valley in the distance information or a portion inwhich the luminance difference or color difference is large.Consequently, the joint obtained by joining after printing overlaps thethree-dimensional structure of a stereoscopic image or the contour of animage, and becomes less conspicuous. This can ensure a large print sizein the thickness direction, thereby producing a largest stereoscopiceffect.

[Other Embodiments]

The embodiments of the present invention have been explained. However,the present invention is not limited to them. For example, in each ofthe above embodiments, region division is performed usingthree-dimensional image data obtained by adding distance information foreach pixel to two-dimensional image information. Three-dimensional imagedata is not limited to this, and three-dimensional image data acquiredby various methods are usable. Furthermore, in each of the aboveembodiments, the three-dimensional image data is divided using colorinformation, luminance information, and distance information for eachpixel. However, the three-dimension image data may be divided based onone of the color information, luminance information, and distanceinformation.

The present invention is not limited to a digital single-lens reflexcamera or digital compact camera, and is applicable to a digital videocamera, a mobile phone, a three-dimensional scanner, and athree-dimensional print data generation device in a computer apparatus.

Embodiment(s) of the present invention can also be realized by acomputer of a system or apparatus that reads out and executes computerexecutable instructions (e.g., one or more programs) recorded on astorage medium (which may also be referred to more fully as a‘non-transitory computer-readable storage medium’) to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s) and/orthat includes one or more circuits (e.g., application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC)) for performing the functions of one or moreof the above-described embodiment(s), and by a method performed by thecomputer of the system or apparatus by, for example, reading out andexecuting the computer executable instructions from the storage mediumto perform the functions of one or more of the above-describedembodiment(s) and/or controlling the one or more circuits to perform thefunctions of one or more of the above-described embodiment(s). Thecomputer may comprise one or more processors (e.g., central processingunit (CPU), micro processing unit (MPU)) and may include a network ofseparate computers or separate processors to read out and execute thecomputer executable instructions. The computer executable instructionsmay be provided to the computer, for example, from a network or thestorage medium. The storage medium may include, for example, one or moreof a hard disk, a random-access memory (RAM), a read only memory (ROM),a storage of distributed computing systems, an optical disk (such as acompact disc (CD), digital versatile disc (DVD), or Blu-ray Disc (BD)™),a flash memory device, a memory card, and the like.

While the present invention has been described with reference toexemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the invention is notlimited to the disclosed exemplary embodiments. The scope of thefollowing claims is to be accorded the broadest interpretation so as toencompass all such modifications and equivalent structures andfunctions.

This application claims the benefit of Japanese Patent Applications No.2015-049544, filed Mar. 12, 2015, and No. 2015-191356, filed Sep. 29,2015, which are hereby incorporated by reference herein in theirentirety.

What is claimed is:
 1. A print data division apparatus comprising: atleast one processor or circuit configured to perform the operations ofthe following units: ’a feature detection unit configured to detect afeature of three-dimensional image data based on pixel informationincluded in the three-dimensional image data; a division and combinationunit configured to divide the three-dimensional image data into aplurality of image data in accordance with a boundary detected based onthe feature of the three-dimensional image data and combine a part ofthe plurality of the divided image data without exceeding apredetermined print size; and a creation unit configured to createthree-dimensional shape data for the divided three-dimensional imagedata, wherein the feature detection unit detects distance informationcorresponding to a distance from an image pickup apparatus whichacquires the pixel information to an object as the feature, and whereinthe division and combination unit divides the three-dimensional imagedata in accordance with the boundary detected based on the distanceinformation.
 2. The print data division apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the pixel information includes color information, the featuredetection unit detects the color information as the feature, and thedivision and combination unit divides the three-dimensional image datain accordance with the boundary detected based on the color information.3. The print data division apparatus according to claim 1, wherein thepixel information includes luminance information, the feature detectionunit detects the luminance information as the feature, and the divisionand combination unit divides the three-dimensional image data inaccordance with the boundary detected based on the luminanceinformation.
 4. The print data division apparatus according to claim 1,wherein the feature of the distance information is a difference betweendistances in pieces of distance information of adjacent pixels.
 5. Theprint data division apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the featureof the distance information is a difference between the differencesbetween the distances in the adjacent pixels.
 6. The print data divisionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein the pixel information includescolor information, luminance information, and distance informationrepresenting a distance from an image pickup apparatus which acquiresthe pixel information to an object, the feature detection unit detectsthe color information, the luminance information, and the distanceinformation as the features, and the division and combination unitdivides the three-dimensional data in accordance with the boundarydetected based on one of the color information and the luminanceinformation, and the distance information, and divides thethree-dimensional image data in accordance with the boundary detectedbased on the other of the color information and the luminanceinformation, and the distance information.
 7. A computer-readablestorage medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute:detecting a feature of three-dimensional image data based on pixelinformation included in the three-dimensional image data; dividing aregion of the three-dimensional image data into a plurality of imagedata in accordance with a boundary detected based on the feature of thethree-dimensional image data and combining a part of the plurality ofthe divided image data without exceeding a predetermined print size; andcreating three-dimensional shape data for the divided three-dimensionalimage data, wherein distance information corresponding to a distancefrom an image pickup apparatus which acquires the pixel information toan object is detected as the feature, and wherein the three-dimensionalimage data is divided in accordance with the boundary detected based onthe distance information.
 8. A print data division method comprising:detecting a feature of three-dimensional image data based on pixelinformation included in the three-dimensional image data; dividing aregion of the three-dimensional image data into a plurality of imagedata in accordance with a boundary detected based on the feature of thethree-dimensional image data and combining a part of the plurality ofthe divided image data without exceeding a predetermined print size; andcreating three-dimensional shape data for the divided three-dimensionalimage data, wherein distance information corresponding to a distancefrom an image pickup apparatus which acquires the pixel information toan object is detected as the feature, and wherein the three-dimensionalimage data is divided in accordance with the boundary detected based onthe distance information.
 9. The print data division apparatus accordingto claim 1, wherein the predetermined print size is input from anoperation unit by a user operation.
 10. The print data divisionapparatus according to claim 1, wherein a printed size after joiningprinted materials is input from an operation unit by a user operation.